And yearn like newborn infants for pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up to salvation,

Dear friends, I urge you as foreigners and exiles to keep away from fleshly desires that do battle against the soul,

and maintain good conduct among the non-Christians, so that though they now malign you as wrongdoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God when he appears.

When he was maligned, he did not answer back; when he suffered, he threatened no retaliation, but committed himself to God who judges justly.

but the inner person of the heart, the lasting beauty of a gentle and tranquil spirit, which is precious in God’s sight.

For the one who wants to love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from uttering deceit.

And he must turn away from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.

But in fact, if you happen to suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. But do not be terrified of them or be shaken.

But set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts and always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess.

So, since Christ suffered in the flesh, you also arm yourselves with the same attitude, because the one who has suffered in the flesh has finished with sin,

For the time that has passed was sufficient for you to do what the non-Christians desire. You lived then in debauchery, evil desires, drunkenness, carousing, drinking bouts, and wanton idolatries.

For the culmination of all things is near. So be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of prayer.

But rejoice in the degree that you have shared in the sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice and be glad.

But if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but glorify God that you bear such a name.

So as your fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings and as one who shares in the glory that will be revealed, I urge the elders among you:

by casting all your cares on him because he cares for you.

Therefore, brothers and sisters, make every effort to be sure of your calling and election. For by doing this you will never stumble into sin.

Indeed, as long as I am in this tabernacle, I consider it right to stir you up by way of a reminder,

Indeed, I will also make every effort that, after my departure, you have a testimony of these things.

Above all, you do well if you recognize this: No prophecy of scripture ever comes about by the prophet’s own imagination,